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by Paul L. Richman, Ph. D.

Figure 1 – ARCA-SWISS C1 Cube
1. The Problem
“Ok. I’ve placed my Nikon D3x into my Markins ballhead clamp. Turn, turn the clamp’s quick release knob and we’re locked in. Now turn the knob to loosen the ballhead, holding onto the camera, and frame the subject. Ah, the framing is justpurrrfect! Now tighten the ballhead knob and let go of the camera. Oops! The camera dropped down just a tad after I tightened the ballhead. Must be front heavy. Hmmm. Ok, loosen the ballhead, move the framing up a bit to try to accommodate for the drop after tightening. Tighten the ballhead. Oops again. Still not quite right. One more time…. Maybe two…. Ugh! Ok, got it. Hmm, it’s actually not quite level. Darn. Ok, let’s do it again. And again. Ok, level now. But wait, I want to change the framing slightly. Oh no, here we go again….”
Have you been there? I have, all too often. If your camera and lens are heavy, most (all?) ballheads behave this way, despite occasional advertising...

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Paul Richman
Paul Richman
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My passion is in the making of images that captivate. I like a wide range of subject matter, especially landscapes and architecture, but also macro photography of the "little world", portraiture, and abstractions. I have a permanent gallery at the Millennium Harvest House Hotel in Boulder, Colorado, where you can see some of my work in large size and on two floors. My work is also on exhibit at the Sloat Law Offices and other businesses in and around Boulder. I have been published by National Geographic, and in various magazines and newspapers. Contact me to order a prints.
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